NaKniSweMo 2011 is finished. I completed the Still Light Tunic, which is essentially a dress out of sock weight yarn. I am pleased. This yarn is a gorgeous delight to knit. I used Ella Rae Lace Merino in Mustard.
There was a moment of panic and stalling when I got to the second sleeve and realized I was running low on yarn. Several people on Ravelry have mentioned that the skeins were less than 100 grams when they weighed them. I did not think to weigh the skeins and plunged in confidently because I had at least 200 yards to spare when I started. When I was about three inches from the end of the second sleeve I realized I would run out. I cast on some socks to comfort myself in the meantime.
What would become of the precious pockets, last to be knit? I found some in mustard available at Loops in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which is not that far from me. I frantically called them and asked them to check the dye lot. I was not that lucky, but Pat and Gina were very kind and sent me a skein that arrived the next day. Since I was already knitting from two skeins throughout the project to avoid pooling, there was not a drastic difference in the sleeves, but when I look at the pockets (knit from just that new ball), I can tell that dye lot is much more green.
One problem I had with the project was a small ridge that formed as I switched yarn from ball to ball. This is in the back and can be seen in the picture above. This did not go away in blocking as I had hoped, but maybe it will in subsequent washes. The Ella Rae also grew a bit more than I expected when I wet blocked it. I smooshed (technical term) it into the measurements as much as I could, but I might try to dry it just a wee bit next time I wash it. The yarn label says it may be washed on gentle, so I may risk a tiny bit of drying too.
Other than a couple of small flaws, I love this piece. I loved the challenge of the deadline of NaKniSweMo to encourage me to finish something in a timely manner. I think as I get more experienced with knitting I’m better able to tell what kind of projects I will love to wear. Though this is over a mile of stockinette to knit, I really enjoyed the soothing motion, the gorgeous yellow green sliding through my fingers, and the finished product.
The pics are awesome and of course so is The Tuuunicck (kindergarten cop, yo). xoxo
“It’s not a tuuuuuunic.” (Arnold S. accent applied!)
Wow, that’s beautiful! Congrats on finishing.
Stunning! This colour is perfection I must get my hands of some.
What a impressive knit – love the colour!
Absolutely stunning! And perfect styling too. You look gorgeous in it.
Wow! Such a beauty!
That is stunning! I love that pattern, it looks so wearable. I know if I get round to knitting it, I will live in it.
Congratulations! The dress is absolutely adorable. Now I want one too!
This looks AWESOME. I love the color and it looks super cozy. You’ll definitely get a ton of wear out of it. 🙂
Oh, wow! I love it! I’m a Loops employee and am glad you had a great experience. We do our very best to whisk those mail orders out the door to the P.O. asap!
I just love the dress. And Ella Rae Merino!! I may just have to see what colors we still have a lot of now so I can cast on for a dress, too! Great job!
Beautiful! I would never have been able to finish in a month. Congrats!
Absolutely beautiful! I love the colour, and so glad that you found more yarn to complete it. Gorgeous!
Thanks so much for the blog mention…and now I’ve gotta make one, too! – Shelley
very pretty….love it!
It’s so gorgeous, you should be really proud.
oh my goodness! what a beautiful sweater. look at all those tiny little stitches. i love the colour and it looks great on you!
it’s fabulous! Excellent pattern choice, yarn, everything!! love it.
Beautifull!
Very nice! I would love to try this. Where did you find the pattern?
Lovely! I love the fit, and perfection of your tiny little knitted stitches! Bravo!
Thank you for your good fotos, I had problems by understanding the pockets, grat help.